On Jan. 4, Michelle Laughlin, student disabilities coordinator, presented to more than 500 Des Moines Public Schools administrators, teachers, and professional staff members during their annual Cultural Proficiency Leadership Seminar at the Iowa Events Center. Michelle did a phenomenal job in discussing the inclusion of disability within our understanding of diversity. Dr. Ahart, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, introduced Michelle before her presentation.

—Jerry Parker, Interim Dean of Students